Blak Douglas

Boong!

150 x 150 cm

Acrylic on canvas

$ 10000

The derogatory term 'Boong' originated from the name of the first recognised Aboriginal mediator to the colony Boongaree of the 'Botany Bay' tribe. The irony lays in the sad reality that, 130 years post Gallipoli, the term was still being used as a reference by racist white australians. (Sadder still that it's still occasioned TODAY).

Ironically also, was the conscription of first nations peoples here, to fight the conflicts of the empire on behalf of the King. A fresh colony who’d so callously introduced warfare by means of arms upon the original occupants of this continent. The stories prevail of the societal rejection of the Black returned service - peoples upon their return to this blooming British colony. Where the street parades and town square celebrations weren't to include the Boongs. In fact, most were admonished and advised that... what happened on the front, stayed on the front. The camaraderie there, was a convenience that would only lead to an embarrassment back 'home'.

This is why I've chosen to satirise this abhorrent treatment of Aboriginal return service - persons in this bold and poignant 'POP ART' style. Having grown up with Looney Toons (cartoons) I distinctly recall the moments when the gun being pointed at another character would humorously ‘BANG’ a flag out of the barrel rather than fire a bullet. Given the generic fascination of creating war monuments en mass here, and mostly consisting of canons or guns, I thought it apt to characterise the phallic notion this way. The metaphor is this. Whilst sentiment and nostalgia is celebrated annually through 'remembrance' as per ANZAC DAY etc... the continued denial of the FRONTIER WARS upon Aboriginal land / the maltreatment of the Blacks whom fought for 'this country' exists...

‘AUSTRALIANS’... you're really only shooting blanks.

Simon Chan has established a reputation as a professional gallery director who has helped many aspiring artists by showing them in his Art Atrium Gallery. Mixing exhibitions of established artists with younger artists, he has created a perfect way to promote living artists in difficult times.

Simon has also endeavoured to get prominent figures in the art world to open his exhibitions, which is a good way to publicise and promote younger artists. I commend Simon’s activities, and hope that the artists he has promoted will not forget who first gave them a helping hand. It is the first step up which counts so much in today’s very competitive art world.

Lou Klepac OAM

Art historian, Author, Curator & Publisher

Art Atrium is the invention of Simon Chan, an Architect who has a passion for art, especially indigenous art and architectural drawings.
He is one of the few people with the breadth of experience and opportunity to hold such shows at his gallery that demonstrate his discerning eye and appreciation for the unusual and the best of art.

Professor Philip Cox AO

Professor of Architecture UNSW & Founding Partner of Cox Architecture

Simon Chan is a practising architect with a passionate commitment to promoting contemporary art that reflects Australia’s multiculturalism, and in which Australian Indigenous art has an important dynamic presence.
In 2009 he founded Art Atrium in Bondi Junction to provide a dedicated space that would allow him to share his artists’ works with audiences, and also to enjoy the physical experience of curating the exhibitions. I have observed the superb way he manages the launch of these events, and I know that all of his artists appreciate the encouragement and advice that he never hesitates to offer.

Dr. Mabel Lee PhD FAHA

Adjunct Professor of Chinese Studies, School of Languages & Culture A18, The University of Sydney

Simon has established an active platform at Art Atrium to encourage cross cultural expression and collaboration among artists from different cultural background. I was honoured to open an exhibition of Chinese Australian women artists, as well as to conduct an Artists in Conversation event when artists directly communicate with art lovers. His passion towards art goes beyond his Gallery, and leads him to generously support art endeavours in public art institutions. He offers guided tours as a Community Ambassador at Art Gallery of NSW, and also serves as a Director on the Board of VisAisa which plays a vital role in promoting Asian art in Australia.

Yin Cao

Curator of Chinese Art at ART GALLERY OF NEW SOUTH WALES

I love the paintings I have bought from Art Atrium - they have really struck a chord. It's also been an absolute pleasure talking with and buying from Simon; it's clear he's in it for the love of the art and that makes the whole experience so much less 'transactional' and more emotional.